News overview European topics of the FDFA
Press releases
Here you will find media information on matters concerning European policy. Press releases and other information for the media from the various federal departments and offices can be accessed via the Federal Administration’s media portal.
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All news (674)
President Amherd to travel to Budapest for fifth European Political Community Summit
04.11.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The fifth European Political Community (EPC) Summit will take place in Budapest on Thursday, 7 November. President Amherd will represent Switzerland at the meeting, which will be attended by representatives from around 45 European states, the institutions of the European Union (EU) and other organisations.
Ukraine: Switzerland adopts new sanctions against Belarus
30.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 30 October, the Federal Council decided to adopt further sanctions against Belarus. This brings Switzerland in line with the measures adopted by the European Union on 29 June and reaffirms Switzerland’s close partnership with the EU with regard to sanctions. The changes will come into effect on 31 October.
Czech President Petr Pavel to pay state visit to Switzerland
29.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Next week the Federal Council, led by President Viola Amherd, will receive the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, for a state visit. The Federal Council’s invitation to President Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová reflects the excellent relations between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. In addition to shared values and vibrant political, economic and cultural exchanges, the two countries share close personal and historical ties.
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to meet with Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti
29.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin will receive Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo Albin Kurti on 1 November. The meeting follows the conclusion of negotiations on a free trade agreement between EFTA and Kosovo.
armasuisse takes part in DACH meeting of research directors
21.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 21 and 22 October 2024, Thomas Rothacher, Head of armasuisse Science and Technology, will take part with a delegation in a meeting of the research directors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The meeting will be characterised by increased international cooperation with the focus on robotics, drone defence and systems for the soldiers.
Switzerland signs declaration of accession to the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
18.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
After the member states of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) agreed to Switzerland’s application for admission, Chief of Armament Urs Loher signed the MoU and the unilateral declaration of accession by Switzerland on 17 October 2024. Switzerland will thus become the 15th member of the ESSI.
President Amherd visits Poland in view of its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union
17.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On Thursday, 17 October, President Viola Amherd met with Poland’s President Andrzej Duda to discuss their countries’ bilateral relations, the negotiations between Switzerland and the EU, the security situation in Europe, migration matters and geopolitical developments. Poland will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025.
President Amherd visits Poland in the run-up to Polish presidency of the Council of the EU
14.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
President Viola Amherd will travel to Warsaw this week. During her visit, she will meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda on 17 October and also hold talks with the heads of Poland’s parliamentary chambers, Marshall of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia and Marshall of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. Poland will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2025.
Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider on working visit to Spain to discuss digital healthcare
14.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
On 14 and 15 October 2024, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider is in Madrid on a working visit, focused on sharing experience on the digital transformation of healthcare. The visit by the Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) included a meeting on Monday with the Spanish Health Minister Mónica García Gómez. The second day of this working visit is dedicated to equality and the fight against violence against women.
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis attends annual foreign ministers' meeting of German-speaking countries in Luxembourg
14.10.2024
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Press releases
EDA
The foreign ministers of the five German-speaking countries met today in Luxembourg to discuss cross-border and multilateral cooperation. They also discussed the role of the United Nations Security Council, which Switzerland is chairing for the second time this October, in the current geopolitical context.
DDPS cedes anti-tank guided missile delivery date to Germany
09.10.2024
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Press releases
Europa
The DDPS has agreed to Germany’s request to postpone the delivery of some of the RGW90 shoulder-launched anti-tank guided missiles ordered by both countries. This is compatible with Switzerland’s neutrality. The Federal Council was informed of this decision at its meeting on 9 October
State Secretary Hirayama attends Informal Meeting of EU Higher Education and Research Ministers in Budapest
17.09.2024
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Press releases
Europa
Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, represented Switzerland at the Informal Meeting of Higher Education and Research Ministers of the EU member states in Budapest on 16 and 17 September. Discussions at this biannual event focused on the introduction of a common European degree in higher education and strengthening European competitiveness through research and innovation. Other topics included reducing fragmentation in the European Research Area and ensuring freedom of research.